The prosecutor in the case, Robert Moreno, said in an interview with VOA’s Korean service that he asked for the lighter sentence because the defense had requested a speedy trial. He said prosecutors must reduce the sentence they are seeking by one third if the defense asks for a speedy trial.

Authorities in Panama seized the Chong Chon Gang last July after reports circulated that the North Korean-flagged ship was transporting illegal drugs. Instead, the vessel was found to be carrying weapons in violation of international sanctions against North Korea.

At the start of the trial Wednesday, the North Koreans pled not guilty, saying they were just following orders; but Moreno countered it was not a valid defense because their orders from Pyongyang were not lawful.

The presiding judge is expected to rule in the case within a month.

Thirty-two of the ship’s crew members were released in February after North Korea paid $690,000 in fines; however, the ship’s captain and two others were charged for trafficking illegal weapons.